Tag: vardhate

The funny thing about all of us is despite living upto the term ‘Social Animal’ we seek to differentiate ourselves constantly. Not actually in our inner qualities but in the external fluff. The fuss made over our external appearance and the importance given to it far exceeds what this subject deserves. Irrespective of where one is from – which corner of the world, the sthula-sarira or the gross body goes through the following same six stages:

1. It exists (asti) – This refers to the body’s existence in foetal form. This emphatically asserts the fact that potential body exists even before birth.

2. It is born (‘jayate’): The foetus develops and is born after the gestation period in the mother’s womb. And we are so attached to this stage that we continue to celebrate this for years; forgetting it is over and done!

3. It grows (‘vardhate’): The body grows as it consumes food and water. There is remarkable attachment and indulgence that we show in this stage

4. It changes (‘viparinamate’): Even after growth the body undergoes changes. After the body grows to its full size, disease and other factors constantly keeps the body in a state of change. This is often a source of great botheration to few people

5. It decays (‘apaksiyate’): Over time, the body loses its strength and vitality. It is said to become old. Most of us are in a state of complete denial when it comes to this stage

6. It dies(‘vinasyati’): Finally the body dies and disintegrates back into the gross elements from which it was initially created. And all of us universally fear this stage

Whether we like it or not, on an auto mode our gross body will traverse the six stages. Trying to stop or control any of these stages from happening or interfering with it to slow, hasten or stop it is but futile. Understanding this and then accepting this actually brings in a calmness. And equanimity subsequently sets in, which allows you to go through these stages with ease. Like a river that flows merrily from the smallest spring, knowing in the end it is going to merge with the ocean – and nothing belongs to it in this journey – neither the form nor the content!